Novel Ideas That Really Aren't

Ok, so with the economy the way it is there are some things that I would really like to call out.

First - cell phone plans.
Sprint's CEO Dan Hesse has been seen in their commercials recently touting their new everything plan. No worries, you can have everything for only $100 month. This doesn't include being able to access the internet from your computer with a laptop connect card. Give us something real will you?

Next - Timer Warner Cable and the rest of the internet providers.
With the majority of people going to broadband, isn't it time to bring the price down? No more 12 month promotions. How about $25 per month.

Look, I understand the law of supply and demand, but I also understand a monopoly and both the cable companies and the phone companies are just that. The fact that Time Warner wants to charge me $99 for cable, internet, and phone is a joke because this, again, is a limited time offer.

I'm also tired of their HD commercial where they indicate it's free. IT'S NOT!!!! You have to pay for, actually lease, the HD receiver and pay additional $$ for the HD subscription. Not sure how they are able to get away with this false advertising.

So, sell me a cell phone plan that I really want to buy. How about $50 for unlimited use that includes unlimited internet access via a laptop connect card or usb connector.

Cable - $35 tops and another $25 for the internet. $25 tops for the phone because that's what vonage is charging. Total bill, $85.

Again, because we are talking about monopolies supply and demand don't count since there is no competition to bring the prices down. However, until people stop paying these prices for sub-par services they will continue to be able to charge this.

On a side note, I have a pay as you go cell plan from TracFone, no cable (or satellite). I do pay $45 for broadband internet and another $25 for unlimited VOIP phone service via vonage. Read more!

Wii Shortage Created By Nintendo

I used to think the shortage of Wii's was a simple matter of demand being greater than the supply. The thought that Nintendo would purposely keep from making enough Wiis to try and create a false "buzz" didn't register with me. That was, until the recent release of their newest game "Super Smash Brothers Brawl".

It was released on Sunday March 9, 2008. But let's take a look at the two weeks leading up to that.

On Sunday, February 24th, I was able to pick up a Wii from one of my local Target Stores. They had 36. The other store in town had 27. Both sold out of the Wii that day. The following week, March 2, Circuit City had Wiis. Coincidence? Let's think about this.

Nintendo is getting ready to release a game that has a lot of hype behind it. But, if people don't have or can't get the console, they won't be buying the game. So, on the release date for Super Smash Brothers Brawl, the following stores all had Wiis to go along with the release of the game:
Best Buy, K Mart, and Shop-Ko.

I didn't check the Wal-Mart ad or Sears but Sears had them online as well.

Doesn't it seem a bit funny that, since before Christmas, finding a Wii was next to impossible and even for the first two months after Christmas? Heck, our Best Buy had not received any shipments of Wii since before Christmas. But now, as Nintendo gets ready to and finally releases their new game, the Wii is suddenly available at a number of retail stores. This is where I finally cry "Foul" on Nintendo's part.

I think the retail stores are part of this game as well. I'm just not sure to what extent. Read more!

Brett Favre Retires

In what may come as a surprise to most people, Brett Favre has announced his retirement today. Take the poll and let me know if you think this was the right time. Read more!

Can Internet Ad Revenue Help Buy The Milwaukee Bucks

With the Milwaukee Bucks season all but over, one person is trying to raise money to possibly buy the team. Fans are disgruntled and want change. You can read more at www.buythebucks.com Read more!

Market America and Google

Market America, in an attempt to complete it's ultimate shopping experience, has partnered with Google. With more than 2,000 partners and 30,000,000 (yes million) products, Market America needed to find the right partner to bring it all together. Up to the plate steps Google. You can read the press release here.

The idea behind the ulitmate shopping experience is for you, the consumer, to be able to shop at all your favorite stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears, Wal-Mart, Target, etc., and pay for them just one time. That's right. Imgine walking into a mall and only having to check out once, when you are done shopping at all your favorite stores. Market America, along with Google, are going to make that a reality. Read more!